How Triathlon Has Changed My Life

Have you ever done something completely out of your comfort zone that changed your life? I have. About four months ago I crossed the finish line of my first triathlon and officially joined a community of remarkable people called triathletes. After wrapping up my first season, I have started to reflect on some of the lessons I have learned and how triathlon has changed my life in some positive and important ways. I think we can all agree that there are moments and events in our lives that help us to sprout and grow beyond comprehension. Here is a peek into my experience.

Triathlon has taught me…

The power of (and the connection between) the mind and body. The body is a beast. I find it fascinating how much the body can endure. I reflect back on some of my training weeks and races and exhale as though I’m reliving all of the intensity and suffering that was required to finish. However, the mind is an even bigger beast. People often focus on what the body is being put through physically, but fail to recognize the responsibility of the mind. As a psychologist, the mind’s role in endurance sports is of particular interest to me. The mental preparation that goes into heading out for a 70-mile bike ride or a 15-mile run. The will it takes to get up early when you want to sleep, to jump in the cold water when you’d rather join those who are bathing in the sun, and to keep pedaling against a monstrous headwind when you would rather call it quits. That is the power of the mind in all its glory, capable of anything. The mind does not always agree with the body and can even overrule it when necessary, which is possibly the reason why people can conquer these amazing feats.

Humility. People become truly humble and real during their weakest moments. I have experienced and been witness to humility, even in the most “hard shelled” individuals. Triathlon has taught me to respect, encourage, and regard those around me, especially during struggles or in darker moments.

Everyone has a story. I never thought I would be blogging about triathlon. This blog was my little piece of the world where I could share my thoughts about and experiences with running and traveling, two of the things that have always been important to me. So when the opportunity to get into this new (and intimidating) sport presented itself, I finally took the leap. My story is nothing extraordinary or worth writing home about. I’m a competitive yet fun and driven woman always keeping my eyes open for the next challenge that lies ahead. I had always wanted to do an Ironman, but that was just one of those dreams that people just dream about and don’t actually do. It wasn’t until June when I realized that this thing called Ironman was actually in my foreseeable future. And now here I am, a runner turned triathlete in less than a year, gearing up to train for my first Ironman. What I have learned is to never be afraid of adding another chapter to your story. To never feel as though a story has to end or is already written. It’s never too late to introduce a new chapter or change the trajectory of where it is going. Likewise, we should all take a moment and listen to others’ stories as well. People are amazing.

Doubt is like a rock in the shoe. Imagine that every time you went out for a run, someone forced you to put a rock in your shoe before you started. That rock will hurt, slow you down, make you weaker, and control your mind and thoughts. It would be difficult to think about anything else aside from how irritating the rock is. Now imagine that you are allowed to rid the rock from your shoe. I know we have all been there. It feels incredibly good and relieving to take off a shoe and dump out its contents. What this season has taught me is that self-doubt is like a pain-in-the-ass rock in my shoe. Whenever I doubted myself before a track workout, long ride, or race, it brought me down and made me weaker. When doubt clouds the mind, it makes everything else foggy and unattainable. So many others—my coach, my husband, the blogosphere, my friends and family—are confident in my abilities, so why shouldn’t I share that sentiment? Replacing doubt with faith and confidence is one of my goals moving forward.

It’s OK to be tired, take naps, and enjoy a rest day or two. Growing up and until this past year, I have always had the mentality that if I don’t do enough with my day or take advantage of every minute, it would make me appear lazy. Where this mentality developed, I don’t know. I did not believe in naps and thought that rest days were overrated. HA! Oh, how these notions have changed. My body would not survive without a little “laziness” sprinkled among the intense training. I now nap if I am tired and embrace my rest days. Heck, if I need a spontaneous rest day, I’ll take it without feeling an ounce of guilt. If I decide to stay inside on a warm sunny day and watch a marathon of Game of Thrones or Orange is the New Black because my legs are tired, don’t judge. I’ll be back at it again tomorrow.

It’s not about being perfect. I have always been somewhat of a perfectionist. Grades. Sports. Work. Relationships. Performance. I always want things to be the best they can be. Unfortunately, I am also well aware that this perfectionist mentality often leads to disappointment. Perfectionism is a dead end for a number of reasons and can rob you from all that is good in the grand scheme of things. Triathlon has helped me to be more comfortable with the less than perfect, and to keep my composure when failing or making mistakes. There are good days and there are bad days. But, there are no perfect days. What is perfect in this sport? Can you run “perfectly”? Can you swim “perfectly”? When there is no standard of what that is, the answer is no. Things in my life no longer need to be perfect, and I’m OK with that.

Challenge myself to do things I don’t want to do. If you’ve ever read or heard about Carol Dweck’s theory of motivation and mindset, you are aware that people can either have a fixed-mindset or a growth-mindset. I would like to note that I tend to have a fixed-mindset, meaning that if I am instantly or naturally good at something, I tend to enjoy doing it and will thrive. If I am not good at something, I throw it aside and move on to the next opportunity. A prime example of this can be seen in my schooling. Psychology always came naturally to me, while math and chemistry did not. These two disciplines were extremely difficult for me and I was discouraged at the thought of putting hours upon hours and days upon days into studying for a class in order to get a B+ or A- at best.

I feel like swimming has become the math and chemistry of my training. In order to get a “C” in swimming or to improve, I have to devote more time and energy than I would like. Author Malcolm Gladwell says it takes 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery in something, so for once I am not running away and changing majors. I’m learning to grasp what it means to have a growth-mindset and am putting in the effort and work that is required to become a better swimmer. I finally can associate with and better understand those who work incredibly hard just to get by. Triathlon is teaching me to be more patient, hard working, and growth orientated.

There is a lot of world to see – see it from all angles. I remember during one particular swim at Elk Lake, I arrived early in the morning when the water was still and empty, and stood there with a slightly tilted head staring at South Sister. I began thinking; the views are so much different from the water. I had biked and run around this area several times, but had never seen the sights around me from this perspective. It reminded me that each of these sports produces a different interpretation of and sentiment for what surrounds us. I think this is an important way of looking at life. It’s good to switch things up and observe them from different angles. You may notice or feel things that you otherwise would have missed. The view of South Sister is best from right here in the water – and I would not have discovered that otherwise.

Most importantly, to embrace and appreciate my body. As someone who has always been self-conscious about her body (my PhD dissertation focused on female body image), triathlon was not something I was initially thrilled about. Really, you mean I have to swim in a bathing suit and wear a lot of spandex around other fit athletes? I still remember my fist time into the pool. I walked out feeling very uncomfortable in my one-piece bathing suit, thinking that people were going to stare at my thighs and cellulite. I was that girl wrapped in a towel, waiting until no one was looking before I tossed it down and jumped in the water. Sad, I know.

Over time, however, I began to realize that the body is much more than just an outward image. The body houses everything I need to push through an intense ride or a long run. It keeps me afloat and moving in the water and enables me to travel miles and miles without the help of some man-made machine. It is THE machine and something I have learned to appreciate so much more. There are things about my “appearance” that I will never be able to change, but that shouldn’t hold me back from strutting out in my one-piece and jumping into the pool to get in a good workout, or racing in a half-Ironman. This body of mine does more for me than I give it credit for. So what if it’s not perfect.

When you learn and discover this much about yourself and the way you want to live your life, you come to appreciate and acknowledge that this sport is for you. It’s not perfect, easy, or one-dimensional, but rather a collage of challenges, techniques, strengths and weaknesses, that meld together and form a beautiful piece of art that is unique to you. I can’t wait to see how this sport inspires and changes me in the coming year. Thank you, Triathlon.

Is there a chapter in your story that was added unexpectedly?

Have you ever done something completely out of your comfort zone that changed your life?

Comments

Great read! I learned about you, but I learned about myself. I’m trying to break out of the fixed-mindset and delve in the world of the growth mindset. Started Crossfit early this year, and because it has significantly pushed me outside of my comfort zone, I’d like to further challenge myself and try a triathlon.Luisa recently posted…Mea Culpa

Kristen, I loved reading this today!!! So cool to hear some of the ways that triathlon has changed your life and the impact of some of those changes.
I love what you said about doubt being like a rock in your shoe – lately I’ve been struggling with some doubt and I’m trying to tell myself it will be OK!!
And, the rest thing – after several days of not working out (because I’m resting for tomorrow’s race) I’m feeling super lazy but I know it is necessary!!!Kim recently posted…Trying to Put an End to the Self Doubt

GREAT post! I, too, like the analogy of doubt being like a rock in my shoe. I know self doubt is part of the game, it’s what we do with it that makes the difference–
These are great points remember…Thank you!cheryl recently posted…Picture Post

I absolutely LOVED this post!! That analogy of the rock in the shoe is absolutely bang on. Doubt will make you weaker. I used to fret about what my body looked like and there are still areas of it that I’m not thrilled with but, it is what it is and I can honestly say that I look pretty darn good for a 43 year old. What I am happy about it what my body is capable of. It never ceases to amaze me and, I must remember to always be grateful for it.Phaedra @ Blisters and Black Toenails recently posted…Weekly Re-cap and a Spectating Spectacular!

love this… believe it or not the marathon was out of my comfort zone… and now I’m in love… I keep saying I want to do a half iron man next (to step out of my comfort zone)… I’m terrified but you have definitely inspired me. Hopefully, next year… I will have to pick your brain soon…Tantra recently posted…WHAT UP WEDNESDAY!!!!!

Kristen, I really enjoyed this post. It is a nice perspective and so very well written. I can relate to many of your points. However, I was not a runner or a swimmer when I started triathlon. I had not been involved in sports growing up, so when I decided to try triathlon, all aspects were tough in their own way, because they were all out of my comfort zone. Over the years, I have gotten stronger overall but the swim continues to be the one I have to work at the hardest to see improvements. So, from my first tri to the Ironman I just completed, I have definitely done things outside my comfort zone that have changed my life completely. We are so lucky to participate in such an amazing sport!Lee@tri*inspired*life recently posted…After the Finish Line – Lake Placid

Great post!!! Love all the pretty pictures too 🙂 Self doubt and getting out of my comfort zone is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. I’ve always been a perfectionist but lately I’ve realized just how debilitating that can be. This year I’ve tried to change my theme a little — more just doing it less over analyzing/thinking!Desiree @ RunSmiling recently posted…1,000m repeats

Kristen, you are amazing! Thank you for writing this post and sharing your experience with us. I kept nodding my head in agreement as I read it. Your sentiments almost perfectly echo my own about my journey over the past year of becoming a triathlete. This sport is truly special and I can’t wait to see where it takes both of us next!!Kelsey recently posted…Race Report: Montreal Esprit Olympic Triathlon

This post was something I needed to read today. I have a race on Saturday, my last 70.3 for the season, and have not been feeling confident as my training has felt sub par the last couple weeks. But your article energized me and reminded me why I do what I do. Thank you! Self doubt has always been one of biggest obstacles, one I have been working hard to overcome, and your sentiments about triathloning, life, working, and yourself very much echo mine. I have enjoyed reading your blog and articles and following your dream as I follow my own. I look forward to more!Kayla Lloyd recently posted…It’s Always A Good Time To Start Tri-ing ~ an interview with new triathlete Naomi West

I love this!!!! Triathlon has taught me and given me so much. It really is a truly incredible sport. Glad you found it and can really understand what it’s all about =)Courtney @The TriGirl Chronicles recently posted…Tri Talk Tuesday – Skills for Life and Running

Great read Kristen! I am currently out of my comfort zone just living life in the moment and finding patience for my injuries and health issues. Always learning and growing.Tara Newman recently posted…5 Ways to Stop Negative Thoughts in Their Tracks

I’ve loved getting to follow your journey! I actually have no idea how I found your blog originally, but I’m so glad that I did! It sounds like you learned some pretty great things over this triathlon season!Caroline @ The Little Things Blog recently posted…You Can, We Can Link Up #2

There’s so much competitiveness in you. You have one amazing journey there, keep it going. You remind me to hit the pool, something that I don’t do nowadays 🙂 Yes “There is a lot of world to see” – try one here you won’t need a wetsuit.

You are SO amazing!!!! I am itching to get in the pool now and start really thinking about at tri! I would LOVE to do one, and this was so inspirational! You are one seriously strong chick 🙂Sarah @ Sweet Miles recently posted…Online Shopping – Recent Fall Finds

Great post!! The mental aspect of triathlons/training/endurance events is huge! It was hard for me to take a rest day at the beginning of my triathlon career. I thought why? But I get it now. Rest is the way we recover. Same with sleep! When I was younger I could get away with 5 or 6 hours of sleep a night. not anymore!! I like the way triathlons challenge me season after season and the improvements I make! You have learned a lot in your first season! It only gets bigger and better from here!! 🙂

“I reflect back on some of my training weeks and races and exhale as though I’m reliving all of the intensity and suffering that was required to finish.” I love that quote. 🙂 You said that perfectly.

My first marathon changed my life. It was completely inconcievable to me and I did it. Since getting into distance running, I gained a new perspective working out. Mind games and pushing myself harder became so much easier. When you body says no, your mind keeps saying yes and you keep going. That has benefited me lifting weights, in HIIT workouts, cycling etc. The power you gain over your body is amazing.Holley @ lungesandlashes.com recently posted…Every Little Bit Counts

I’ve always been too nervous to even consider a triathlon. I haven’t ridden a bike outdoors since I was a kid, and my swimming form is way less than ideal. I know it would be a great goal and I am so envious of people who can step out of their comfort zones and do stuff like this. Maybe one day!Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted…Philadelphia Marathon Training Week 4

Beautifully written! It’s amazing how sport can change our lives for the better not just physically but in many more aspects of our lives. Congratulations on an amazing season and I can’t wait to read about your journey to become an Ironman!Katelyn @ Big Sky Multisport Coaching recently posted…Race Report: PolarBear Sprint Tri

Love these lessons. The rest one is so so important and one that gets lost in all the fitness tweets, instagrams, and quotes that encourage people to workout out everyday.Brooke @ wreckingroutine recently posted…Energems Chocolate Energy Review

Such a beautiful post Kristen! I always love your little tidbits about psychology… perhaps sports psychology is in your future?! You definitely know what you are talking about lady:) I have really enjoyed watching your triathlon journey and I am so happy for you! I can’t wait to see what’s to come for you… this is only the beginning. And your swimming WILL get better! I totally agree about the being self conscious thing. As I’ve mentioned to you before, I’ve also struggled with this my whole life. I still don’t like being in a one piece (or two piece for that matter), but I do have more confidence thanks to Triathlon! It’s important to remind ourselves to focus the GOOD things, like how strong we are.. versus things like cellulite… so hard though!Kristin @SweatCourage recently posted…Race Day Planning – Ironman Edition

Very interesting article! I am really fascinated with triathletes like you. I also run and bike, but the problem is that I am not that good with swimming. I do also have a phobia with large bodies of water, so I really cannot participate in triathlons.

Just stumbled upon your blog, and enjoyed this post! I can totally relate to your paragraph on laziness and guilt. That, combined with maybe some body image issues, is what most likely drew me to endurance sports. I’ll be adding you to my reader!

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Hi, I’m Kristen. Thank you for stopping by. Follow me along my journey of becoming a faster runner, endurance triathlete, and world traveler. I’ll also mix in a few random musings, open up about life, and share my adventures around my hometown of Bend, Oregon.

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